Elation Introduces LED Dummy

“Lights out: is supposed to mean just that lights out. Unfortunately, as anyone who’s ever worked with dimmer packs and LED fixtures knows, there can be an afterglow that keeps radiating small amounts of light even after the dimmer has been turned off.

Well, now “out” can really mean out and “off” can really mean off, thanks to the new Elation LED Dummy, a simple, but effective load device that makes afterglows go away! The Elation LED Dummy plugs into a dimmer pack and completely absorbs its load, so the LEDs aren’t fed the traces of power to keep the faint glow of light alive.

Designed for triac control circuits, the LED Dummy uses a standard Edison socket and plug. The device consumes very little power and measures only 50.5 by 36 by 38 mm.

FEATURES

• High performance load device designed for LED fixtures
• Designed for triac control circuits
• Plugs inline to the output of power and dimmer packs
• Standards Edison socket and plug for power transmission
• Low power consumption

Learn more about the Elation LED Dummy by visiting their website at www.elationlighting.com.

ETC Adds to the Selador Series of LEDs: The Pearl

Where you at PLASA this year?  If you stopped by the ETC booth, you should have seen their latest Selador LED product, the Pearl.  ETC has added a white mixing unit to their popular Selador Series of LED products to help round out their offerings.

The Pearl takes advantage of the best traits of the newest white LED offerings. Combining simplicity of use and the powerful output of white LEDs, Pearl provides a bright white light for studio and stage. Pearl provides a carefully chosen mix of warm white (3200K) and cool white (5700K) LEDs that can be variably adjusted to provide just the right color temperature of white light – for the eye or the camera.

Pearl’s uses the same lens system as all the other Selador fixtures, giving the user incredible control over the field size – from a narrow, soft-edge 17° spot — to an extremely wide 80° field of light. Pearl produces 3460 lumens from less than 125 watts of power, so the power at your video location goes a whole lot further.

ETC will be rolling out an “official” press release in the near future and be showing the new Pearl at LDI next month in Las Vegas. Read more about the Pearl by visiting the super secret hidden page about the Pearl on their webite, www.etcconnect.com.

Barco Introduces RLM-W8 Projector – Enter to Win One!

Barco just announced two things at the same time.  First, they are introducing the RLM-W8 projector. The projector brings the saturated colors of three-chip DLP projection to events and fixed installations, at the price of single-chip DLP technology.

With an enhanced contrast, quick and creative stacking options as well as built-in warping capabilities for curved surfaces, Barco’s RLM-W8 is a versatile choice for mid- to large-sized venues. In addition, it features blending technology to create seamless composite images across a canvas of any size. The RLM-W8 continues the RLM line’s tradition of silence as well as low energy consumption.

Second and most important thing… Barco is running a contest to win one! The RLM-W8 boasts the quality of three-chip DLP technology, native WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution and a bright 8,000 lumens light output. With native warping and edge blending capabilities, the RLM-W8 is a versatile companion for any event. What’s more – you can win one. Simply try to answer two questions. The contest runs until 1 October, and they will announce the winner on 4 October.

What are you waiting for!?! GO ENTER NOW

Book: Set Lighting Technician’s Handbook, 4th Edition On Sale

Last month, Focal Press Announced the arrival of a new lighting book geared towards the Film and Video market, Set Lighting Technician’s Handbook, 4th Edition by Harry C. Box. In this, the fourth  edition, Mr. Box expands on some of the latest technologies and products available to the industry for lighting a set.

New to the fourth edition:

• More coverage of the aesthetics of lighting
• Detailed information on LED technology and gear
• Material is harmonized with industry safety and skills training curriculum
• More coverage than ever before about setting up and running DMX512 networks and DMX512 enabled devices, including wireless DMX512 networks
• Completely revised and updated sections of HMIs, tungsten light fixtures, and fluorescent technologies
• Additional information on dealing with current harmonics, working with portable generators.
• New section on using 480V power
• And plenty more.

The Set Lighting Technician’s Handbook focuses on what is important when working on-set: trouble-shooting, teamwork, set protocol, and safety. It describes tricks and techniques for operating a vast array of lighting equipment including LEDs, xenons, camera synchronous strobes, black lights, underwater units, lighting effects units, and many others. Since its first edition, this handy on-set reference continues to be widely adopted as a training and reference manual by union training programs as well as top university film production programs.

The book is published and available through Focal Press, (www.focalpress.com) for $49.95 USD.  If you like to save a little scratch, you can head over to Amazon.com and pick up the book for $32.97.

New Purchasing Options for FocusTrack Software

FocusTrack, the production lighting documentation system, is pleased to announce a new purchasing option designed to make FocusTrack even more accessible than before. FocusTrack’s new Single Show option enables the purchase of FocusTrack for one single production for a cost of just UK£245 – US$375.

This compares to the original Full FocusTrack licence at UK£400 or US$600. That licensing option is still available for those looking to use FocusTrack to document multiple productions. In addition, FocusTrack is available to students for UK£90 or US$140.

“When we first launched FocusTrack, I thought that programmers would be the ones to buy it, since it directly saves them time and effort in tidying up and documenting the shows they work to create,” comments FocusTrack’s Rob Halliday. “In fact, in most cases programmers have persuaded the show to purchase it. Our new purchasing option is designed to ensure show producers offer less resistance when the lighting team decide to obtain FocusTrack for a show. As before, it will mean there ends up being an easily created, accurate record of the show lighting, allowing that lighting to be precisely maintained over the run of the show. It’ll just cost a little less to achieve that! At the same time, designers, associates or programmers who want to work with FocusTrack across multiple productions can continue to do so exactly as before with the Full option.”

FocusTrack can be purchased from the FocusTrack website, www.FocusTrack.co.uk. The latest version of the software, which adds a host of new features including Fault Logging and support for use on iPhones and iPads, can also be downloaded from the website. The software, available for PC or Mac, offers s demo mode, allowing it to be evaluated prior to purchase.

Creative Stage Lighting Becomes Exclusive Distributor in North America for VMB Towerlifts

Creative Stage Lighting has been appointed the exclusive distributor of the VMB Towerlift range of products in North America. The New York based company will offer Sales, Service, and Support for the full range of VMB lift products, including the Classic, Pro, TL, GS, and PIRAM series of lifts and towers.

VMB offers a total of 14 different lift models, the largest selection on the market. The introduction of the TL-A Line Array lifts has attracted a lot of interest in the US with the product offering a practical solution for companies looking to set up a Line Array quickly and easily and above all safely. All VMB lifts are manufactured in Spain and offer the utmost in security, delivering the highest possible quality. The ALS (Auto Lock Security) is just one feature the Spanish company is keen to demonstrate to the US market.
Patented by VMB in 2004, the ALS automatically blocks the lift sections when rising, taking stress away from the cable and guaranteeing security at all times.

Learn more about VMB lifts, lighting and audio equipment by visiting their website at www.vmb.es

Chauvet Announces LED Moving Lights That Fits in the Palm of Your Hand – MiN Spot & Wash

CHAUVET, a leading manufacturer of LED lighting, announces the release of two new ultra-compact moving yokes, MiN Spot RGBW (pictured left), and MiN Wash RGBW . Imagine an LED-fitted moving yoke that fits in the palm of your hand. These two new members of the MiN family feature a powerful 13-watt quad-color LED and built-in sound-activated and automatic programs, plus a vector speed channel for smooth pan, tilt and color mixing.

Both are surprisingly bright fixtures—30 percent brighter than the original—with full RGBW color mixing—capable of creating 4.2 billion colors. MiN Spot RGBW has 6- or 14-channels of DMX control and a gobo wheel with nine gobos. MiN™ Wash RGBW has 5- or 13-channels of DMX control and offers washes in soft pastels to vivid, saturated colors.

Each weigh less than nine pounds, adding more pop than weight to any rig, and are perfect for small clubs or mobile DJs. Mount them on low ceilings or over the bar, line a stage or back display, or mount directly onto your deck…the possibilities are endless.

Martin Mac 101 – Not a Class But a New Ultra-Compact Moving LED Wash Light

The Martin MAC 101 is a remarkably small, super light and simple LED moving head wash light. It features a tight and very bright beam, rapid movement and calibrated colors with a low price tag that allows for revolutionary set, stage and decorative lighting designs.

Utilizing cost-efficient, high-volume production and featuring an ultra-compact design that promotes use in larger quantities, the MAC 101 is ideal for easy-to-produce, high-impact looks like large wall matrices or as a dynamic replacement for static PAR cans.

Even in smaller numbers the MAC 101 is a highly effective and versatile wash light, useful for visual effect in a wide variety of applications like concerts, events, exhibitions, clubs, television studios, bars, restaurants and more.

Imagine pixelmapping video content across a large video wall of MACs – each MAC 101 essentially a pixel in a dynamic graphic. Replace PAR cans with creativity and versatility – color, movement and beam effects that are dynamic instead of ordinary. Line a stage, truss, or set pieces with 101’s for more creative looks or supplant walls of PAR cans for more dynamic washes of color that consume less power.

With superior power for such a small fixture (2200 lumens) and an exceptional lumen to price ratio, the MAC 101 provides plenty of bang on a tight budget. The MAC 101 projects a tight beam with a soft yet defined edge that is surprisingly bright for such a compact, energy-saving fixture. Beam angle is 13.5° with a wide angle diffuser available as an option for greater design possibilities. A calibrated RGB color mixing system plus color wheel effect provides a full spectrum of color choices. The 101 is capable of smooth dimming from 0-100% and strobe effects such as pulse and random effects are possible.

Helped by its small size and exceptionally low weight, the MAC 101 is Martin’s fastest moving head ever, enabling it to reposition quickly or even follow a song’s beats per minute tempo. With an attractive design and weighing in at just 3.7 kg (8.1 lb), the 101 can be rigged virtually anywhere or can easily be hidden away for more discrete looks. The MAC 101 consumes a low 125 watts of power (0.6 A @ 230V / 1.2 A @ 110V), saving on energy and eliminating the need to run thick cables for big rigs.

The MAC 101 provides all the benefits of LED technology like greater reliability, less maintenance and increased energy efficiency for a smaller carbon footprint and lower cost of ownership. Made of durable materials, the MAC 101 meets Martin’s high standards for quality and reliability. A no-nonsense design with easy-to-access components makes for easy service and maintenance. For complete protection and convenient transport, the MAC 101 is available in a durable, 8-unit flightcase.

Click on over to www.martin.com to learn more about the Martin Mac 101.

American DJ Adds New Jellydome Transparent LED Moonflower to Jellyfish Line-up

How do you follow up on something as wildly popular as our revolutionary Jellyfish 2-in-1 beam effect? Easy – by offering a second helping of jelly, with a new 2-in-1 effect, that’s just as transparent, just as versatile and just as likely to stop people in their tracks, get them to turn their heads, point up at the transparent case and say “WOW! I never saw anything like that!”

Meet the new American DJ Jellydome, an intelligent RGB LED moonflower the produces seven brilliant colors and – like the Jellyfish — boasts a glowing see-through dome case. Used with the Jellyfish, our newest transparent light is certain to give your show a memorable edge.

The Jellydome packs a powerful one-two punch: its 34 sharp RGBW beams of light make it a great moonflower, and its transparent case creates a unique glow effect. Even in the off position, the Jellydome resembles a magnificent bejeweled dome that is sure to catch attention. When active, the 10W 4-in-1 RGBW LED is capable of producing 7 dazzling colors: red, blue, green, purple, yellow, cyan and white, so any mood can be achieved through the vast array of hues.

Boasting a 138° beam angle of brilliance, this dance floor diva can produces stunning effects with or without the use of fog. The Jellydome’s 3 available DMX channels and 3 operational modes allow for unmatched effects possibility, while the 0-100% electronic dimming can create any desired ambiance with ease. This stylish light effect features multi-voltage operation (AC 100-240V, 50/60 Hz), so it’s ready to produce a glittering mirror ball effect for party people wherever they may be.

This brilliant dome can run all night as long as the party is pumpin’; and thanks to the Jellydome’s practical fan-cooled mechanism, the dance floor will remain hot only in the figurative sense. This incandescent wonder can be packed up as soon as the party is over, so you no longer need to wait for the device to cool down to safely tuck it away.

The Jellydome’s handy linking capability via its 3-pin XLR cable means you can pack a cache of these jewels in your treasure chest effortlessly. What’s more, because of the Jellydome’s lightweight and petite stature, (8.25”L x 8.25” W x 7” H and 5 lbs.), mobility and traveling with multiple units is a breeze. Mobile entertainers will marvel at the overall ease and portability of the newest member of the Jelly family and appreciate the convenience of its extremely long LED life, so they can shine on for years to come.

The MSRP of the Jellydome is only $259.95. Check it out at your ADJ dealer! Now you have to see this thing in action…

J. R. Clancy Becomes an ETCP Training Provider

J. R. Clancy has been approved to become an official Training Provider in rigging, as designated by the Entertainment Technician Certification Program.

J. R. Clancy offers a training program that can assist ETCP Technicians in acquiring ETCP Renewal Credits towards recertification.  Rigging professionals who take courses offered by J. R. Clancy earn one renewal credit per hour of instruction.  The Clancy program began with one course; now, as an ETCP Training Provider, Clancy has expanded its program with multiple courses.  Those interested in taking an industry certification examination may find these courses helpful in preparation.

Candidates who wish to sit for an ETCP examination must meet eligibility requirements.  A total of 30 credits are required to qualify for the certification exam, with points awarded for work experience and college-level degrees earned.  If you are interested in becoming certified, please visit http://etcp.esta.org.

“We were the first company to offer financial support for the ETCP rigging certification program when it was in its formation stage,” said Mike Murphy, J. R Clancy president.  “We believe in the program’s goal: to create a more knowledgeable industry of highly skilled professionals, and a safer working environment for everyone backstage and onstage.”

J. R. Clancy also encourages ETCP rigging professionals to maintain their certification. In addition to paying the first-time testing fee for the employees of its dealer partners, the company now pays the recertification fee as well. To arrange for payment of the recertification fee, dealers can contact Jenn at J. R. Clancy at (800) 836-1885.

Several programs are now in development; topics and dates will be announced on the ETCP news page. More information about J. R. Clancy is available at www.jrclancy.com.

.

Nemetschek Releases Vectorworks 2011 TODAY!

Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc. is pleased to announce the availability of the 2011 version of its award-winning Vectorworks® line of design software, including: Vectorworks Designer, Architect, Landmark, Spotlight, Fundamentals and Renderworks™.

The 2011 version of Vectorworks software delivers several major improvements, including:

· 2D/3D integration. Vectorworks software has now, more than ever, a true 3D modeling environment. 2D planar objects can be created and edited within a planar context, where they display with all their attributes. Users can work in Top/Plan view as usual, or switch to a 3D view and continue working in the same way, with the same tools and operations.

· Improved Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities. The Vectorworks Architect program is even easier to use, and its state-of-the-art capabilities, new tools and features help get the job done faster and better, while communicating and exchanging files with colleagues and partners. It offers a greatly improved space object, along with new 3D wall components, and a new slab tool to enable architects to more accurately model and associate building components.

· Best-in-class rendering. Renderworks 2011 is faster, easier, and more powerful than any previous version. Now based on the robust CINEMA 4D render engine, the results are breathtaking and easier to achieve. The new engine is fully integrated into Vectorworks software, so users can seamlessly visualize their work throughout the design process, producing clear and accurate renderings. With the click of a button, rendered viewports will update as the design evolves.

Vectorworks 2011 also includes more than 70 improvements in usability and addresses some long-time wishes, such as the addition of “perfect preview” text editing, new tile fills, improved access to resource libraries and smaller file sizes.

With the launch of Vectorworks 2011, Nemetschek Vectorworks will expand its subscription option, Vectorworks Service Select, to customers in the U.S. and United Kingdom. This option is also currently available in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, where it was begun as a pilot program last year.

For a look at all of the new features by product, as well as feature movies, please visit www.vectorworks.net/2011. To learn more about Vectorworks Service Select, visit http://serviceselect.vectorworks.net.

Martin Announces Martin One-Key

Martin One-Key is a future-proof concept to distribute software licenses without the inconvenience of storing licenses in DMX hardware as we’ve been used to for the last 20 years. From now on, all Martin Professional PC-based applications will share the same protection method.

Martin One-Key is a simple USB dongle that can store one or multiple licenses and protects the software from illegal copies, therefore protecting the user’s investment.  No longer will software licenses be unlocked by DMX hardware that usually becomes obsolete after a few years, or even worse becomes defective and renders the software unusable.

Once a user owns the Martin One-Key, adding new software is a few click process; no need to wait for a box to be delivered. With Martin One-Key, users can easily try any other Martin Professional software for a 45-day trial period with all features. Martin One-Key simplifies software distribution, improves protection, protects investments, and opens doors to new ideas never tried before.  Martin One-Key is the future, now.

Martin One-Key is now bundled with the following products:

• LightJockey II Kit
• M-PC-Basic 8 universes Kit
• M-PC Pro 64 Universes Kit
• MSD5 Gold
• MSD5 Live
• MSD5 Live-4
• Martin M1 (built-in key)
• All MaxModules (built-in key)
• Maxxyz Compact (built-in key) 
Note: Martin M1, all MaxModules and Maxxyz Compact already use an internal Martin One-Key since their introduction.

To learn more about the Martin One-Key, visit their website at www.martin.com.